KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 — Former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s July 2020 request for contractors to donate to Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) during discussions on government projects was “wrong,” a prosecution witness told the High Court today.
Datuk Seri Azman Yusoff, president of the Bumiputera Contractors Association of Malaysia (PKBM), testified as the prosecution’s 27th witness in Muhyiddin’s ongoing power abuse and money laundering trial. He said Muhyiddin had “spontaneously” suggested that contractors donate directly to Bersatu instead of individuals in the party during a one-on-one meeting at Tropicana Golf Club.
Azman acknowledged the request was improper but expressed gratitude to Muhyiddin for helping Bumiputera contractors through the Jana Wibawa programme during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Yes, I certainly agree this is an offence, but as a businessman, I had to agree for the continuity of my business and my friends’ businesses,” he said.
Donation Request
Following the meeting, Azman’s company KCJ Engineering Sdn Bhd applied for a government project and was awarded a RM62 million contract in July 2021. He later issued eight cheques totaling RM4.8 million to Bersatu, comprising RM4 million from his personal account and RM800,000 from the company. Azman said the donations were made in appreciation of Muhyiddin’s support.
He also persuaded other contractors to donate after they secured Jana Wibawa projects. Nepturis Sdn Bhd contributed RM1 million, while Mamfor Sdn Bhd donated RM19.5 million following a RM605.2 million project award. Azman testified that these donations were consistent with Muhyiddin’s earlier remarks.
Azman further revealed his ties with Segambut Bersatu deputy chief Adam Radlan Adam Muhammad, whom he met at a charity golf event in 2020. He later introduced Nepturis’ representative to Adam, who allegedly confirmed his close relationship with Muhyiddin and facilitated project approvals.
The prosecution alleges Muhyiddin abused his position to secure RM225.3 million in bribes for Bersatu and laundered RM200 million received from Bukhary Equity Sdn Bhd. The trial, presided over by High Court judge Noor Ruwena Md Nurdin, resumes tomorrow with cross-examination by Muhyiddin’s lawyers.
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